The Food and Drug Administration, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Oregon Health Authority have authorized a second booster dose of Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines for all adults over 50 and immunocompromised people ages 12 and over.
The CDC especially recommends the additional booster dose for:
- All adults ages 65 and over.
- Adults ages 50 and over with underlying medical conditions.
- All immunocompromised people ages 12 and over (Pfizer) or ages 18 and over (Moderna).
The additional booster dose should be given at least four months after the first booster of a Pfizer, Moderna or Johnson & Johnson vaccine.
“A second booster dose has been shown to reduce severe disease, hospitalization and death from the omicron variant for those in high-risk categories,” said Infectious Disease Physician Adam Brady, MD. “If you are in a high-risk category and it has been four months or more since your first booster, a second booster is highly recommended. If you have yet to receive your first booster, get it as soon as possible.”
Those most at risk for severe disease and death from the coronavirus are people who have not yet received a primary series of the vaccines.
For information about COVID-19 vaccination opportunities, visit samhealth.org/GetTheVaccine.